Benedict VIII, né Theophylactus (died April 9, 1024), pope (1012_1024), of the noble family of the counts of Tusculum, descended from Theophylact, Count of Tusculum like his predecessor Benedict VI, was opposed by an antipope Gregory, who compelled him to flee from Rome. He was restored by Henry II of Germany, whom he crowned emperor in 1014. In his pontificate the Saracens renewed their attacks on the southern coasts of Europe, and effected a settlement in Sardinia. The Normans also then began to settle in Italy.
Benedict, from the Latin for blessed, is the name of many notable men.
The most prominent at the beginning of the 21st century is Pope Benedict XVI, who chose this name for himself after his election to the papacy.
Benedict is the first name of Benedict Arnold, the most notorious traitor in American history, his ancestor, a colonial Rhode Island governor, and a congressman named for him.
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